From June 20th to 21st 2018, Oporto will be the center stage for Luxury Design & Craftsmanship Summit 2018 organized by the Covet Group. This Portuguese city, international distinguished as the Best European Destination, will gather together the creative minds, designers, makers, and brands, to discuss what’s next in the Luxury Design World.

This event will bring you a new perspective, and the most innovative practices of the luxury and design industries as the major players in the growth and elevation of craftsmanship.

Taking place in a city renowned for its heritage, Oporto, Portugal, the two-day event will present an outstanding line-up of keynote speakers to provide a lively debate and informed conversation for those who seek to be at the forefront of the Luxury Design field.

The opening event will be at Pavilhão Multiusos de Gondomar, designed by Pritzker Winners, Architect Álvaro Siza Vieira, on the June 20th with the live showcase by master artisans of azulejo, wood and other ancient crafts. Gondomar it’s the perfect place to host the 1st Edition of this Luxury Design & Craftsmanship Summit, because it’s a city known for its love and devotion to craftsmanship, mainly in the jewelry industry with a special kind of love and attention for the traditional art of creating stunning jewelry pieces in filigree.

The first panel dedicated to The Value of Craftsmanship for the Luxury World will showcase real case studies that translate the meaning of exclusivity and authenticity. This day will be closed by Gondomar’s Mayor, Marco Martins with a Port of Honor.

On the second day, the 21st of June, two panels will be presented: “Design as a Driving force for Local Craftsmanship”, a closer look into the rise of the Designer-Maker, a journey from the past towards a new cultural progress to promote creativity and innovation, while respecting traditions and safeguarding heritage. The closing panel will be “Luxury Branding: The Behind the Scenes Story” and it will debate the connexion between the heritage techniques and its usage for the most recent marketing campaigns of leading luxury business brands.

During this two-day event, the craftsmanship will be discussed with a new approach and dimension. There will be a reflection of the dynamic and digital world where this serves as a tool for design brands and other arts.

As of this day, the following Speakers are confirmed: Michaelangelo Foundation, an international non-profit entity that celebrates and preserves master craftsmanship and strengthens its connection to the world of design; Fundação Ricardo Espírito Santo Silva, a foundation created with the objective of protecting and disseminating the Portuguese Decorative Arts and the handicrafts related to them; Luís Onofre, designer of luxury shoes and accessories and President of APICCAPS; Vista Alegre, the oldest porcelain factory in the Iberian Peninsula; Topázio, a Portuguese company with more than 140 years of history, expert in the creation and production of unique designed hand-carved silver; Boca do Lobo, Portuguese brand of furniture-art design recognized for its unique and innovative design always hand-worked.

This event is organized in association with Thinkers & Makers Foundation, whose mission is to celebrate and honor the crafts and every single person who creates soulful pieces with their own hands.